Expansive Open Plan Dining Design Ideas

In the sought-after affluent village of Radlett, we were commissioned by our client to create a show-stopping masterpiece for their kitchen with an adjacent walk-in pantry. It wasn’t just a kitchen; it was a place where our client would feel right at home with their interior design, daily living and evening entertaining. The brief was clear: warm and luxurious with seating for all occasions and organised storage, a room that could move easily from quiet morning coffee to a long supper with friends. The house gave us a beautiful starting point. Working with the client’s mood board, the vision of walnut for the kitchen quickly felt inevitable, a way of grounding the cabinetry in the same tonal world as the architecture above it. Lighter accents were then layered in, lifting the palette and bringing it firmly into step with the direction interiors are moving in right now: rich characterful timbers softened by quieter, paler counterpoints. It’s a large space, and the cabinetry had to hold its own without overwhelming it. Our Lay-On Slim Shaker was the natural choice: a tailored frame that gives the room structure and rhythm. The slim profile keeps things contemporary, a quietly modernist take on a familiar silhouette. On top of that, we added reeded details to parts of the design, a textured piece that catches the light and gently slows the eye as it moves across the space. The tinted walnut veneer brings out the depth and grain of timber, giving the room exactly the warmth and luxury it asks for and the lighter tone of Rolling Fog Dark gives it space to breathe. A soft colour with just enough depth to feel considered next to the richness of the walnut. This contrast is what makes the room work, and we absolutely love it! At the centre of the room is a large rectangular island holding the whole composition together. It gives the space a clear focal point while giving a generous working surface that a kitchen of this scale deserves. One side leans into character, open-shelving set on solid legs, and on the other, a beautiful banquette wrapping around an L-shape. Set into the heart of the main run, the sink and tap claim their own moment in the design, framed by symmetrical cabinetry on either side. It’s a considered choreography, where the working part of the kitchen takes its place. Above it, bridging the gap between the upper and lower cabinetry, a walnut floating shelf adds a horizontal note of warmth, completed by an Armac Martin Cotswold gallery rail in aged brass. It’s these small pieces of jewellery that nod to traditional detailing. Behind, the splashback steps in as a beautiful backdrop, rising from the worktop in Dekton Arga. The smooth cream surface carries subtle brown-gold veins that intensify its dramatic structure, giving a beautiful, dazzling sheen. This kitchen didn’t just settle for one sink either. A secondary sink sits within the island, dedicated to prep and easy handwashing, so the rhythm of cooking, serving and entertaining never has to cross. An appliance lineup makes no secret of a real love for Miele. A huge bank of Miele appliances in Pearl Beige takes its place within the floor-to-ceiling cabinetry. It’s a quietly confident way to handle a serious amount of kit: rather than scattering appliances around the room, everything lands in one place, beautifully composed. A Smeg induction hob sits flush at the island, while a Siemens glass draft extractor rides behind it. Completing the suite of appliances is the integrated Fisher & Paykel French door fridge freezer. Grounding the whole space are the additional details that reward a closer look. Pocket door dressers with ordered storage, integrated lighting that brings the interiors to life, and the bespoke walnut cutlery drawers carrying the same level of care. The Walk-In Pantry Just off the main kitchen, hidden behind a pocket door, the walk-in pantry reveals itself as a beautiful, organised room. The smart, deep green Lay-On Slim Shaker cabinetry immediately changes the mood. Filled with floor-to-ceiling cabinetry, it gives the pantry a sense of generous, dedicated storage. It’s completed with Armac Martin handles in burnished brass, and the worktops are Carrara quartz. Open shelving set on bespoke corbels sits in front of the T&G wall panelling while integrated lighting picks out everything on display. A fridge sits within the cabinetry, joined by a sink and tap, so the pantry doesn’t just store the contents of a busy household; it actively supports them. Every part of this Radlett project has been shaped from the main room delivering the show-stopping masterpiece, while the pantry behind its pocket door offers a quieter, more intimate counterpoint. Both form a home that’s ready for a quiet morning and a long evening of entertaining. Our thanks go to Shaadee Asekour Interiors, whose interior design vision sat beautifully alongside our cabinetry from the very first conversation, and to photographer Paul Craig, whose images capture the warmth, texture and quiet luxury of the finished rooms exactly as we hoped they would.

Light filled combined living and dining area, overlooking the garden. Walls: Dulux Grey Pebble 100%. Floor Tiles: Milano Stone Limestone Mistral. Tiled feature on pillars and fireplace - Silvabella by D'Amelio Stone. Fireplace: Horizon 1100 GasFire. All internal selections as well as furniture and accessories by Moda Interiors. Photographed by DMax Photography

Bespoke hand-made cabinetry. Paint colours by Lewis Alderson
Expansive traditional open plan dining in London with grey walls, marble floors and no fireplace.

Janey Butler Studio Cotswold Barn Renovation Project. With new large basement entertainment space incorporating bar, cinema, gym and games area. A stunning new Dining Hall space, Bedroom and Lounge area.

k2architekten GbR
Expansive contemporary open plan dining in Hanover with white walls and medium hardwood floors.

Expansive contemporary open plan dining in Other with white walls and light hardwood floors.

Photo of an expansive contemporary open plan dining in Munich with white walls and a standard fireplace.

der 3,80 Meter lange Tisch bietet Platz für die ganze Familie
Design ideas for an expansive contemporary open plan dining in Dusseldorf with medium hardwood floors and brick walls.

Fotograf: Bernhard Müller
Photo of an expansive contemporary open plan dining in Frankfurt with white walls and no fireplace.

From the moment you enter this historic Much Hadham property, you are surrounded by open countryside, the warmth of a homely feel and craftsmanship that takes centre stage. This bespoke kitchen has been carefully designed and handcrafted to respect the home’s character while elevating how the space is used today. Framed by a striking triangular glazed extension, the kitchen connects seamlessly to the wider open-plan living area, with every element, from hand-built cabinetry and traditional In-Frame construction to hand-applied paint finishes, created specifically for this home. The result is a kitchen that feels considered, authentic, and entirely at ease within its setting. The original kitchen footprint formed the L-shaped section of the room, which the client was keen to retain as one half of the new design, particularly as the AGA was already positioned there, and this was much loved as part of the family’s daily life. As with many period homes, the property did not lend itself to one large open-plan kitchen, so the design focused on creating distinct yet connecting areas within the existing space, allowing each zone to feel purposeful while still flowing naturally together. It came together so beautifully! Each of our bespoke features brings personality and practicality to the space, including a secret door concealed within the cabinetry leading down to the cellar, and a new extension housing a “reading nook”. This approach allowed our Classic In-Frame Shaker style to come into its own across the different parts of the kitchen, and was hand-painted in a palette of colours. The bespoke cabinetry was built In-Frame with plain flat fronts and a central beaded panel, introducing a softer, more traditional aesthetic that complements the property’s age. Each cabinet was handcrafted using traditional In-Frame construction, with solid frames assembled by hand and finished with carefully detailed beaded panels. Our work allows for refined proportions and longevity, while giving the furniture a depth and character that cannot be achieved with mass-produced cabinetry. This style was the perfect choice for a countryside home, bringing a timeless, homely, cottage-inspired feel that sits comfortably within the building’s heritage while still providing the practicality required for modern living. Elements of tongue-and-groove panelling and recessed plinths complete the design’s look. Building on this foundation, our bespoke In-Frame furniture with a softer look continues into the newer part of the kitchen, where the space has been opened up by knocking through the existing wall and extending the living area for a more connected layout. At the centre of this part sits an island where it’s built to form a social space. It sits in front of a single run of cabinetry, providing balance and allowing the island to take prominence. By carrying the In-Frame shaker style throughout, the furniture seamlessly links the original kitchen with the newer space for a cohesive design that feels entirely at home. The finishing details of the kitchen were carefully considered to complement the cabinetry’s character. Hendel & Hendel Greenwich handles in waxed burnished brass were selected throughout, using a mix of knobs and cup handles to bring subtle variation across the furniture. Finishing the cabinetry with a warm metallic tone reinforces the homely, traditional feel of the space. Three colours form the foundation of the kitchen’s design, all from Little Greene, and are hand-painted onto the cabinetry. Invisible Green, a deep green connecting the kitchen to nature and the surrounding countryside. Joanna, a pale taupe with a warm base, offers a beautiful alternative to white and brings softness to the space. Linen Wash, a broken, pared-down natural linen tone, introduces a calm and understated warmth. All cabinetry was hand-painted on site in multiple stages, allowing the finish to settle naturally into the grain and detailing of the furniture. This process creates a softer, more layered appearance that enhances the handcrafted nature of the kitchen and adds to its sense of age and authenticity. Positioned within the newer part of the kitchen, the central island becomes the heart of the space, effortlessly supporting both everyday living and relaxed entertaining. From casual breakfasts to evening gatherings, the island provides seating for four, encouraging the kitchen to be used as a social hub throughout the day. Designed with functionality in mind, the generous worktop offers an expansive preparation area, while the storage below has been carefully considered to balance practicality with character. Beneath the Carrara Misterio quartz worktop, open shelving provides space for baskets, with discreet cupboards tucked below for convenient, everyday storage. Handcrafted solid wood brackets introduce a sense of craftsmanship and add a refined, luxurious detail to the island’s design. These details were designed specifically for this island, reinforcing the furniture-led approach. On one side, a burnished brass towel rail with additional hooks offers a practical yet decorative feature, perfect for hanging linens and baskets. Together, these details give the island a warm, authentic country feel. Wrapped around the central wall in our soft In-Frame beaded Shaker style, a bespoke dresser becomes a standout feature within the kitchen. Designed as an elegant display for the client’s glass collection, the upper cabinets feature glass-fronted doors that add lightness and refinement to the furniture. Below, a combination of drawers and cupboards provides generous storage for dinner-party essentials, balancing beauty with everyday practicality. Dark-stained oak open shelving with tongue-and-groove panelling introduces warmth and texture, echoing the detailing found within the cosy dining corner and reinforcing continuity across the space. Sitting alongside a concealed door leading to the cellar, this piece seamlessly blends craftsmanship and ingenuity. Discreet, well-integrated secret doors such as this are increasingly becoming a staple in modern homes, allowing practical elements to be hidden within beautifully handmade furniture. In this kitchen, the concealed door was designed as part of the furniture from the onset, allowing it to disappear seamlessly into the cabinetry while maintaining the visual rhythm of the In-Frame design. Two sinks were carefully positioned to support the kitchen’s flow. In the original L-shaped area, a Shaw’s of Darwen sink takes pride of place beside the AGA, paired with a Perrin & Rowe Phoenician monobloc tap in aged brass to create a classic, timeless setting. In the newer part of the kitchen, a second Shaw’s of Darwen sink is complemented by a Perrin & Rowe Ionian mixer tap, also in aged brass, providing additional practicality while maintaining consistency across the space. The kitchen brings together existing and new appliances, carefully integrated into bespoke cabinetry to suit how the space is used throughout the year. Our client was keen to retain the electric AGA in Dartmouth Blue, which remains proudly positioned within the original L-shaped section. As the AGA is turned off during the warmer months, a new ILVE Milano 600m oven was introduced within the newer run of cabinetry, ensuring the kitchen remains fully functional year-round while balancing traditional and contemporary cooking solutions. Above the ILVE, a Westin Prime extractor is seamlessly integrated into the in-frame furniture, maintaining the clean, considered aesthetics. Adding to the appliance setup is the Fisher & Paykel integrated fridge-freezer, housed in its own dedicated cabinetry section, thoughtfully wrapped around the wall near the concealed door leading to the cellar. This approach allows each appliance to sit naturally within the furniture layout, reinforcing the sense of cohesion between craftsmanship, functionality, and the home’s character. This cosy area incorporates storage on either side of the bi-fold window and a generous window seat, designed to double as dining bench seating when a large table is needed for family gatherings such as Thanksgiving. The reading nook naturally connects the open-plan living space to the garden beyond, creating a calm and inviting corner. The wide window seat draws you towards the light, offering uninterrupted views across the generous grounds and the surrounding English countryside. The open shelving within the nook is set against dark-stained oak and tongue-and-groove panelling, with matching base shelves, introducing that much-loved warmth and texture. Every element within this kitchen has been carefully designed and crafted to suit the way the clients live, from hidden doors and tailored storage to handcrafted details and considered layout. This is what truly bespoke design is about: handcrafted furniture, designed from the inside out, shaped around the home, the people who live there, and the way the space is used every day. With almost limitless possibilities in materials, finishes, and features, each decision is made with purpose. This kitchen is a true reflection of the refined detailing, craftsmanship, and individuality we offer our clients, with no two projects ever being the same.

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Foto: Michael Voit, Nußdorf
Design ideas for an expansive contemporary open plan dining in Munich with white walls, a corner fireplace and grey floor.

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This is an example of an expansive contemporary open plan dining in Other with white walls, light hardwood floors, a two-sided fireplace, beige floor and wood.

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